Housing New Zealand here to help flood-affected people left without housing options

Any person who is unable to return to their home and has no other housing options following last weekend’s flooding across the Central North Island should not hesitate to visit Housing New Zealand.

“We’re here to help, whether or not you’re one of our tenants,” Keith Hilson, Area Manager for Whanganui/Manawatu says.

Housing New Zealand can be found at the Work and Income Service Centre at 133 Wicksteed Street in Whanganui. The Service Centre is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm on Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 5.00pm on Wednesdays. Anyone who is unable to visit can instead call Housing New Zealand’s Customer Services Centre on 0800 801 601.

“The community is proving itself to be tremendously resilient, but we’re really keen to hear from anyone in Whanganui or the wider area who is unable to return to their home and doesn’t have any temporary housing options,” says Mr Hilson.

“People who have had to move out of their homes because of flooding are currently either staying with friends or family, in temporary accommodation provided by their insurer, or in emergency accommodation organised by Civil Defence.

“It may take some time to reinstate properties that have suffered significant damage, and in some cases the occupant may not have longer-term housing options. Please don’t hesitate to visit Housing New Zealand if you find yourself in this situation.”

The flooding has damaged a number of Housing New Zealand properties but hasn’t affected its ability to provide housing for its customers.

“We have 7 properties within the flooding cordon in Whanganui. We’re currently waiting to see the extent of the damage but expect it will be significant. We’re working with affected tenants to make sure their housing needs are met.”

ENDS

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